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Marine Nicknames
& Slogans


"First to Fight"

Marines have been in the forefront of every American war since the founding of the Corps. They have carried out over 300 landings on foreign shores. They have served everywhere, from the poles to the tropics. Their record of readiness reflects pride, responsibility and challenge.


"Leathernecks"

The Marines' long-standing nickname goes back to the leather stock or neckpiece, which was part of the Marine uniform from 1775 to 1875. The leather bands around their throats were intended to ensure that Marines kept their heads erect.


"Devil Dogs"

In the Belleau Wood fighting in 1918, the Germans received a thorough indoctrination in the fighting ability of the Marines. Fighting through supposedly impenetrable woods and capturing supposedly untakeable terrain, the persistent attacks, delivered with unbelievable courage soon had the Germans calling Marines "teufelhunden," referring to the fierce fighting dogs of legendary origin.


"Gyrenes"

The term "gyrene" is a jocular reference to Marines which was first used in England as early as 1894. It was used in the United States around the time of World War I. Its exact origin is unknown, but it did appear to have a derogatory meaning in its early usage. It has been suggested that the term may embody a reference to pollywog, a naval slang term for a person who has not yet "crossed" [the equator], hence, a landlubber.


"Jarhead"

A slang term used by sailors as early as World War II to refer to members of the Marine Corps, drawing the term from the resemblance of the Marine dress blues uniform, with its high collar, to a Mason jar.


"Esprit de Corps"

The "spirit" of a unit. This spirit is commonly reflected by all members. It implies devotion and loyalty to the Marine Corps, with deep regard for history, traditions and honor.


"Uncommon Valor was a Common Virtue"

Refers to the victories in World War II, especially at Iwo Jima, the largest all-Marine battle in history. Admiral Nimitz's ringing epitome of Marine fighting on Iwo Jima was applied to the entire Marine Corps in World War II.


"Semper Fidelis"

The Motto of the United States Marine Corps. Latin for always faithful. Faithful to God, Country, Family and the Corps.


"Once a Marine, Always a Marine"

The motto of the Marine Corps League. Having earned the title of Marine it becomes a integral part of who and what we will become later in life.


Marine Slogans


By Sea and by Land

this was the second TRADITIONAL motto. It is a direct translation of the Royal Marines motto, "Per Mare, Per Terram".


To the Shores of Tripoli

the third TRADITIONAL motto was used until 1848 to commemorate Lieutenant Presley O'Bannon's capture of Derne in 1805. In 1848, after the capture of Mexico City, this motto was changed to, "From the halls of Montezuma to the Shores of Tripoli".


Every Marine a Rifleman

In other words, every Marine, regardless of specialty, is fundamentally the same. All are forged from a common experience, share a common set of values, and are trained as a cohesive air-ground team from the moment they join the Corps.


First of Foot, and Right of the Line

On 9 August 1876, the Secretary of the Navy honored the Marine Corps by giving them the place of honor, at the head of column, or right of line in a naval formation.


Tell it to the Marines

In 1644, Charles II, King of England was told a story about Fish that fly like birds by a returning ship's master. The king replied, I have my doubts! Sir William Killigren, colonel of the new British Marine regiment that was just raised that year said, Nay, Sire, it is true. I have myself seen flying fish many a time in southern waters. I vouch for the truth of this strange tale, your Majesty. The monarch then told his Secretary of Admiralty, Mr. Pepys, no class of our subjects hath such knowledge of odd things on land and sea as our Marines. Hereafter, when we hear a yarn that lacketh likelihood, we will tell it to the Marines. If they believe it, then we shall know it is true.


Retreat Hell! We just got here.

On May 28th, 1918, 2nd Battalion, 5th Marines of the 4th Marine Brigade were sent to help in the Belleau Wood sector. As they were approaching they were met by the French Commander of the troops that were already there who advised Marine Colonel Wendell C. Neville that the discreet thing to do was retreat. Neville's reply was a characteristic "Retreat Hell! We just got here!" They stayed and drove the numerically superior Germans out of Belleau Wood and other strong holds. It was here that the ferocious fighting that the Marines displayed caused the Germans to start referring to the Marines as "Teufelhunden", which means, "Devil Dogs".


First to Fight

This slogan started appearing on recruiting posters in World War I. Marines have been at the forefront of EVERY American war since their inception. On this historical record of readiness, this slogan constitutes the Marines' pride, responsibility and challenge.


Once a Marine, Always a Marine!

Once a person successfully completes their basic training, they have earned the title of United States Marine forever. Even after discharge or retirement they are still a Marine - still a part of the Band of Brothers.



DEFINITION OF A MARINE

Marines come in all sizes, weights, states of sobriety, misery, and confusion. He is shy as a fox, has the nerve of a dope addict, the stories of an old sailor, the sincerity of a liar, and the appetite of a horse. He is unreliable, irresistible and indestructible.

A MARINE is a magical creature, you can lock him out of your house, but not your heart. You can take him off your mailing list but not off your mind. Marines are found everywhere: in bars, behind bars, in battle, in love, on leave and in debt.

No one can write so seldom and yet think so much of you. No one else can get so much enjoyment out of a letter, civilian clothes, or a six pack of beer. A Marine is lazy with a deck of cards, a millionaire without a cent, brave without a grain of sense. He is the protector of America, with the latest copy of Playboy in his back pocket.

When he wants something, it's usually a three day pass, a five dollar bill or a standby home. Girls love them, mothers tolerate them, the United States support them, and somehow they manage to live together. No woman can tame him, no man can beat him.

He likes girls, females, women, ladies, and members of the opposite sex. He dislikes answering letters, wearing his uniforms, his superiors, getting up for reveille, Marine Corps chow, basic training, and the week before payday. You might as well give in. He is your long distance lover, your bright eyed good for nothing bundle of worry. Even all your shattered dreams become insignificant when he comes home to you and greets you with those innocently spoken words:

"Hi"

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